Emetrol Vs. Zofran: Drug Comparison

Emetrol^® is an over-the-counter medication available as a liquid or chewable tablet used to relieve nausea and vomiting due to upset stomach or indigestion. It is thought to work by calming the stomach and reducing muscle contractions that cause nausea. The chewable form offers a convenient alternative for those who prefer not to take liquids. Emetrol is typically well-tolerated, but its sugar content means it should be avoided by individuals with diabetes or hereditary fructose intolerance. Follow the package instructions carefully for proper dosing and avoid using it if symptoms are severe or last for an extended time.

Emetrol has different types and names. The information below is about Emetrol Chewables^®.

Zofran^® is a brand-name medication that contains the active ingredient ondansetron. The information below is about ondansetron hydrochloride tablets. According to the FDA, “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”

Ondansetron is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut, which are involved in triggering the vomiting reflex. Its FDA-approved indications include the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Off-label uses may include managing nausea in pregnancy (morning sickness) and gastroenteritis. Ondansetron is available in several forms, including oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and intravenous injections. Common side effects include headaches, constipation, and dizziness, while serious risks include a rare heart rhythm disorder (QT prolongation). Caution is advised in patients with heart conditions or those taking other medications that affect the QT interval.

Antiemetic

5-HT₃ receptor antagonist

Emetrol Chewables (sodium citrate dihydrate) are used:

• For the relief of nausea associated with upset/sour stomach, including that due to overindulgence in food and drink

Ondansetron is indicated for the prevention of:

• Nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including cisplatin greater than or equal to 50 mg/m²

• Nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy

• Nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy in patients receiving either total body irradiation, single high-dose fraction to the abdomen, or daily fractions to the abdomen

• Postoperative nausea and/or vomiting

• Typically taken orally, chewing tablets completely

• Comes in 230 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally—see the full prescribing information for the recommended dosage in adults and pediatric

• Comes in 4 mg, 8 mg, and 24 mg tablets

Stop use and ask a doctor if:

• Nausea lasts more than two weeks or recurs frequently

The most common adverse reactions in adults for the:

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced (≥5%) are:

• Headache

• Malaise/Fatigue

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Prevention of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (≥2%) are:

• Headache

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (≥9%) are:

• Headache

• Low levels of oxygen

• Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). This product contains fructose

• Drug interactions: Ask a provider or pharmacist before use if you are taking any other medications. This product may interact with certain prescription drugs

• Patients known to have hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ondansetron or any components of the formulation

• Concomitant use of apomorphine

• Ask a doctor before use if you:

  • Have diabetes, because this product contains sugar

  • Are on a sodium-restricted diet

• When using this product, do not take more than 24 tablets in a 24-hour period

• Do not swallow tablets whole

• These tablets are intended for use by normally healthy persons only

• Persons under 18 years of age should use only as directed by a provider

• Pregnancy: Ask a health professional before use

• Breastfeeding: Ask a health professional before use

• Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and bronchospasm

• QT interval prolongation and Torsade de pointes

• Serotonin syndrome

• Myocardial ischemia

• Masking of progressive ileus and/or gastric distension following abdominal surgery or chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

*This information is from the label for Emetrol Chewables^® used by WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation. See the full label for more complete information. Sodium citrate dihydrate, the active ingredient in Emetrol Chewables, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sodium citrate dihydrate.

*This information is from the ondansetron hydrochloride label used by Aurobindo Pharma Limited. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. This information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient ondansetron.